News
Official Opening of Ardfert Playground - Tuesday, 17th March, 2009
Three years of local planning and fundraising finally paid off when the public playground in Ardfert was opened by Mayor of Ardfert Tom Stack on St. Patrick’s Day. The facility has been heavily used since works on it completed in early December last year. Speaking at the opening chairperson of the playground committee, Ursula Barrett said “this is a facility provided by the community, for the community – it is something we can be proud of and that our children can enjoy for many years to come”. Deputy mayor Clr. Norma Foley praised the work of the local committee who had worked tirelessly to ensure the project was completed to a high standard.Ardfert playground is the eleventh playground in Kerry to be opened since Kerry County Council launched its Play Policy ‘Developing Play in Kerry’ in 2005. The Council followed through on the commitments outlined in the policy despite the withdrawal of national funding for playgrounds in 2007. “We were concerned when the national fund was withdrawn but we were determined it would not prevent us from completing the project”, said Ursula. The total cost of the project was in excess of €135,000. One third of this came from the communities of Ardfert and Kilmoyley from individuals and businesses through a variety of fundraising initiatives ranging from nights out to sponsored marathon runners and everything in between. A substantial portion of the local contribution was made by local tradesmen donating their time and skill to construct the playground. The remaining two thirds of the cost came from Kerry County Council’s Community, Environmental & Recreational Development Funding.
The playground equipment was installed by Wooden Delights who are based in Galway. The playground caters for children up to 12 years of age, with a junior section for 2-5 year olds and a senior section for 6-12 year olds. On the day of the opening the playground was again full of sounds of fun and laughter as children ran around trying out the equipment. They were also treated to entertainment from Mike the magician as well as refreshments, face painting and bouncy castles in the community centre.
The Ardfert Playground committee comprised of Ursula Barrett, Barbara O’Grady, Angela Ryan, Orla Fitzgerald, Toireasa Ferris, Mary Dowling, Olivia Murphy, Pat Murphy and Rachel Fitzgerald.